“Forever,” she whispered.
“And ever,” he promised.
And forever it was.
Bonus Epilogue
“You were right.” Cameron toasted his friends with a glass of thousand-dollar-a-bottle brandy. “Life as a married man is an adventure. And–” He grinned. “The best thing in the world.”
Knowing expressions greeted him, from the group the press had dubbed The Billionaires of Miami. They hailed from different backgrounds, leaders of various industries, yet they were all extraordinary. The world couldn’t get enough of the wealthy, powerful men.
“Goodness, you are besotted.” Royce lifted his own glass. “Yet I can’t say I blame you. I feel the same about Elora.”
That Royce was madly in love with his wife was obvious. Few would believe they married before they actually met, a secret they held for many months. When they finally came face to face, Elora was pretending to be someone else. Now they were nearly inseparable. “How is Elora and the little one?” Cameron asked.
Royce’s eyes lit up, as they always did when he spoke of his family. “Wonderful. We’ve just started another foundation.”
Cameron and the others bestowed well wishes and congratulations. Every man here contributed millions to charity, through countless organizations and initiatives. Of course, Cameron fought for charitable causes in his law practice, with a division that took on crucial work pro bono. Others helped in different ways, such as Dominick, who wielded the power of the pen.
He turned to the entrepreneur/author, “When is your new book coming out?”
“Next week.” Dominick nodded. “It’s poised to hit number one on the lists.”
Cameron didn’t doubt it. His friend’s first book had been a runaway bestseller, giving the head of the massive computer conglomerate instant fame. He had gotten a break from that fame when he went undercover at his own company to investigate suspected corruption. He met his future wife during that time, who had no idea the man she fell in love with was actually the billionaire CEO of the company.
“Congratulations.” Cameron clapped him on the shoulder. “You must be thrilled.”
“I am,” Dominick rumbled. “Mostly because the proceeds are going to mental health charities.”
“Good news all around.” Cameron lifted his glass again, as did the other men, and yet one lifted his a little less, Aidan Bancroft was atypically solemn, his expression tight and constrained. “You all right, buddy?”
Aidan’s gaze snapped up. “Yes, of course.”
Yet the words rang false, to the others clearly, as each lowered their glass. “Is there anything we can do for you?” Cameron asked quietly. “We’re here for you, with anything you need.”
It was true. They were more brothers than friends, providing support and kinship. They would always be there for each other, yet Aidan was fiercely private.
Thus, it was an utter shock when he stated flatly, “A woman claimed to have my child.”
That Cameron didn’t show astonishment was a testament to his restraint. The others showed varying levels of surprise, no doubt regarding the accusation itself, and not any belief it could be true. They knew Aidan well. If he fathered a child, he would take responsibility.
“Of course, I would never allow my child to grow up without a father.” Aidan hardened. “If something happened, I would take immediate responsibility and provide extensive support. More than anything, I would be involved in his or her life. Of course, the child cannot be mine.”
“We have no doubt.” Cameron nodded. “What did she say when you confronted her?”
“That was the strange part. She retreated immediately and seemed overly eager to leave. It’s even stranger since she was a reporter.”
A dozen grimaces responded. They were all incessantly hunted by the media. “Was she doing a story?”
“At first, I thought so.” Aidan looked straight ahead, his eyes unfocused. “Yet now I’m not so sure. I must do some investigating.” He rubbed his hands together. “I will find out everything I can about her and her story. She deceived the wrong man.”
Cameron smiled at the determination, and challenge, in the man’s voice. He almost pitied the poor reporter. She would soon learn the consequences of her actions.
“Enough about me. This one is all about you.” Aidan raised his drink high this time. “To your happy ending.”
“To your happy ending,” the men echoed.
And it was, indeed, a happy ending.